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A few weeks ago I said that the Playoffs were out of reach; the best the Falcons could hope for was to finally have the franchises’ first back-to-back winning seasons. No matter how much optimism homers show (myself included) the reality of another losing season is about to set in.

Harry Douglas, the No. 3 receiver, punt returner and speed burner, suffered a torn knee ligament in the first week of training camp. There also have been season-ending injuries to the No. 1 pick (defensive tackle Peria Jerry), the No. 2 pick (safety William Moore) and the replacement veteran cornerback (Brian Williams). Running backs Turner (one and a half games) and Jerious Norwood (six games) also have missed time, making Jason Snelling relevant, which was neither the plan nor the desire.

John Abraham is invisible. Jason Elam may soon be.

This season was supposed to be special. It’s not. The Falcons’ playoff fortunes now rest on the arm of a guy who was selling insurance three years ago and the legs of the 244th pick in the NFL draft. Not Matt Ryan, who is out at least this week with turf toe. Not Michael Turner, who aggravated a high ankle sprain. Neither chose quick-healing injuries.

There is probably little hope of winning the next two games (Eagles and Saints), which is a bummer of a way to start December.